Contemporary

These selections do not necessarily fall into the category of strictly orchestral work, although they may contain some elements of orchestra. These songs are more likely to include drums, synthesizers, or other more contemporary instrumentation. Be sure to check out the instrumental arrangements of some classic Pink Floyd pieces.

Original Compositions - Selections composed and recorded entirely by Stephan Carroll.

3 AM Blues - A contemporary jazz creation written several years ago and orchestrated recently. This piece features the piano but includes a jazz trio of bass, guitar, and drums, and even a violin section at the bridge.

Two Roads - This piece contains piano, electric guitar, synth chorus, and an interesting drum pattern. This piece remains upbeat and exciting throughout.

Turning - This clip contains two separate sections of the original composition by Stephan Carroll. The opening section is soft, contemplative with solo cello, piano, acoustic and electric guitars. The second section includes a larger orchestration with chimes, strings and brass.

Other Contemporary Recordings - Selections composed by other artists, but recorded by Stephan Carroll.

NEW: Beyond This Twilight (4:25 8.11mb) - In 2007 Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) released a new album "Year Zero." Later that year, he released all of the songs from that album in multitrack format. He invited the public to take his compositions and remix them in any way they wanted, completely free of charge. This piece is Stephan's remix of one of the tracks from that album, "In This Twilight," which was also an inspiration in the creation of The Armageddon Overtures. This arrangement is a full orchestral and choral score, utilizing the lead vocal and drum tracks from the original album.

Calm of Night - This is a piano solo written by Frank Sanucci, arranged and recorded with synthesizers and other instrumentation by Stephan Carroll. A somber, meditative piece that captures the tranquility of night.  

Pink Floyd Instrumental Arrangements - Classic songs from the band Pink Floyd, as recorded by Stephan Carroll.

Comfortably Numb - An instrumental arrangement of this classic song by Roger Waters and the band Pink Floyd. 

Brain Damage - "The lunatic is in my head..." Another Floyd classic.

Money - The opening sounds of cash registers/money was sampled from the original album, but everything else is original material by Stephan Carroll.

Orchestral

These files have been created using a custom sample library. The primary goal is to create vivid, lifelike symphonic recordings entirely in the digital domain. Keep in mind as you listen that these are not recordings of a real symphony, but are in fact, composed entirely of digital samples.

Original Compositions - Selections composed and orchestrated entirely by Stephan Carroll.

NEW: The Armageddon Overtures: The Final Day on Earth - On July 18, 2007, the artist completed a draft outline for an expansive new composition projecttitled "The Armageddon Overtures." Focusing on the final day of life on earth before "the end of time," this massive suite for full orchestra and choir was completed in February 2008. More information can be found on the author's updates and blog page.

Prelude No. 6 "To Bold New Horizons"- This is the first composition to be written out in full score by the artist before being recorded. An uplifting melody is performed in several orchestral modes throughout the piece before finishing with a triumphant fanfare. You can also download the full orchestral score for this composition in Adobe PDF format.

Prelude No. 5 - The first new composition of 2007, this piece was inspired by a peaceful and warm springtime afternoon, and was composed, orchestrated, and completed in three hours time. Lighthearted and airy at first, it builds into an exciting crescendo of full orchestral power.

"The Knife" - This is a first draft of a movie score for an independent film project which was never released. This scene features rising tension as a car full of robbers was pulled over by a police officer, as one of the bandits reaches for a knife...

Prelude No. 4 - A quiet, soothing composition. Whereas so many of the composer's creations are powerful and bombastic, this piece provides a refreshing break in a contemplative and relaxing score.

"Main Title" - This is a majestic and uplifting piece, primarily fast-paced with a few softer passages intermixed. An epic piece suitable for the opening credits of a film.

Prelude No. 3 - A dramatic score orchestrated in one afternoon in January 2006. This selection blends traditional orchestra elements with choir samples and a synth pad from the Kurzweil PC1x. A bold, thematic composition.

Symphony No. 1 in G - A full orchestral composition completed in January 2005. The entire recording is available for free download, and can also be purchased on CD for the highest-quality recording.

Sonata No. 3 - "The Burden of Flight" - This piece was composed in February 2004. This is a mystical and sweeping melody, inspired partly by the soundtrack from "Lord of the Rings"

Sonata No. 2 - "Moonrise at Sea" - This piece was composed in June 2005, inspired by watching the full moon rise by the seashore. A peaceful composition, with a mysterious and airy feeling.

Sonata No. 1 - "Winter Sunburst" - A brief music cue scored in only 4 hours one January afternoon, 2005. It was a peaceful day, snow falling quietly outside, followed by a dramatic (though short-lived) sunburst.

Ascension - This is an original composition, written and orchestrated by Stephan Carroll. A brief French horn fanfare followed by a softer passage accented by pizzicato strings, with focus on the piano as well as orchestra.

Autumn Twilight - Another original composition by Stephan Carroll. A softer orchestral piece consisting of piano, cello, violins, and soft choir. Tranquility and peace, an autumnal sunset.

Classical/Religious Orchestrations - Selections composed by other artists, but orchestrated by Stephan Carroll.

Brahms' Symphony No. 1 in C Minor - IV Adagio - An orchestration of one of the themes from Brahms' First Symphony. This particular theme occurs briefly in the 4th movement. A regal and majestic tune with building excitement.

Siyahamba -  a traditional Zulu melody with full orchestra, percussion, and choir arranged by Stephan Carroll. This piece was orchestrated for "World Communion Sunday" and includes ethnic instrumentation from around the world - zither, didgeridoo, sitar, native American rhythm, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and even a harmonica. The word "Siyahamba" translates to mean "We are marching."

Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 in E Minor - II Largo - The opening section of Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," second movement.

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity - from "The Planets" by Gustav Holst. Original orchestration by Stephan Carroll. This piece is meant as a demonstration of the realism of the "virtual" orchestra.

He Is Born - This is an original orchestration of a traditional French tune, author unknown. A festive introduction followed by a triumphant fanfare with full orchestral compliment and choir.

Morning Has Broken - An original orchestration based on a  traditional Gaelic melody. Violins and French horns carry the soaring melody line, while a duet of piccolo trumpets echo in the distance.

Other - A mixture of original music and orchestrations not fitting into the above categories

Jeopardy: Suite - This piece was recorded for an online competition. The challenge: create a new version of the theme song from the TV show "Jeopardy." Stephan chose to create a motion picture soundtrack. Below is the description he wrote for the contest:

Coming Attractions: Summer 2004
Jeopardy: The Movie

_______________________________________
Movie Teaser:

The latest action/adventure summer blockbuster, starring Alex Trebek as himself. Terrorists threaten to take over the planet, and only one man knows the right questions to ask. Will he uncover the secret terrorist plot in time to save the planet? Will his TV show's ratings drops if he's not there to host? What is "pi to the fifth power"?

I'll take non-stop action for $1000, Alex.
_______________________________________

Here's an exclusive sneak peak of the soundtrack!
This orchestral suite incorporates several themes from throughout the movie. The opening section is from the title track "Jeopardy: Main Theme and Fanfare". Following that is a cue from the dramatic chase scene, "Trebek's Run." Then, the heartwarming Alex's Theme "What is Love? (In the Form of a Question)". It closes with the main theme reprise. And of course, the final two "thuds" of the timpani - Time's Up!

Albums

Square One is an album composed entirely of piano solos, recorded and copyrighted in late 2000. This album has never been released, and the songs do not have titles .

Downloadable Audio Clips:

01. Track 01 - 4:39 02. Track 02 - 2:35 03. Track 03 - 3:28 04. Track 04 - 3:41 05. Track 05 - 4:23 06. Track 06 - 4:02 07. Track 07 - 6:15 08. Track 08 - 6:34 09. Track 09 - 3:57 10. Track 10 - 5:36

All files are 64kbps mp3 format. Sound quality is low due to compression - the original songs are CD quality and are available upon request. Please see the contact information if you wish to make a request.

Albums

Night was completed in the summer of 2001, and submitted for copyright at the same time as Digital Fantasy. This album is a departure from all the others - it was created primarily with electronic synthesizer sounds instead of symphonic sounds. It is an eclectic mix of styles and sounds.

Downloadable Audio Clips: